After HCG Diet To Do List

Posted under After HCG Diet | 269 Comments

This is where most people blow it. The first 3 weeks after taking HCG are crucial. Failing to follow certain guidelines will add weight back again. Here is what you must do.

HCG Diet Information After The HCG Phase

The After HCG Diet To Do list begins after the HCG phase concludes. The last day of the HCG phase is the third day in a row of not taking the hormone, also called the hormone washout period.

On the first day after the three day washout period, you are allowed to increase your calories back to your normal daily caloric requirement, with certain crucial restrictions.

Post HCG Food Period

: Image via Wikipedia

The first three weeks after taking HCG, sometimes misleadingly called the maintenance phase, is the period when the fat metabolism that you established during the protocol becomes stabilized. The two most important actions that you must take during this phase are: 1) weigh yourself every day, just as you did while taking the hormone; and, 2) eat or drink anything you want except food and beverages that contain sugar or starch.

One exception is a single glass of wine each day, with a meal, during this phase.

The above guidelines are not new information. They were prescribed by Dr. Simeons in the 1950s. Here is why they are important.

The Importance Of Keeping Track

Keeping track of your weight every day ensures that you are not gaining it back. Dr. Simeons insisted that the stabilizing action of this phase would be most effective when his patients kept to less than a 2 pound gain from one day to the next. He said the same thing for a 2 pound loss. The point is to stay within a narrow weight range, starting with your weight on the final day of the hormone phase and staying at that target for the next three weeks.

The Importance of Carb Restriction

This is a simple guideline. Avoid starch and sugar, both of which are carbs. The most dangerous carbs during this phase are those that fill up your liver storage capacity to quickly (i.e., starch and sugar). If your liver takes in too much carb during this phase, it will convert the excess into triglycerides and shove them back out into the bloodstream, on the way to storage in fat cells. Elevating triglycerides and increasing fat storage are not the results that you want.

Foods and beverages to avoid during this phase include potatoes, all breads, pastas, and other starchy products, rice and other grains, grapes, bananas, all fruit juices, soft drinks, and beer. This list could be much longer. Just be sensible.

By the way, the explanation is oversimplified. As Dr. Simeons mentioned in 1954, the true danger during this period is the combination of fats and carbs in the diet. Indeed, if you eat no carbs at all, you can consume more fat without increasing weight again. Remember, you have just spent a month or more establishing a healthy fat metabolism. This is no time to revert back to old habits and mess it up.

If you insist on eating carbs with a lot of fat, then watching your weight daily is the only way for you to easily detect what change this may be causing.

The Proverbial Steak Day

The steak day strategy entails skipping breakfast and lunch, then for dinner eating only a steak and one apple. The necessity for a steak day is any day that your weight reaches 2 or more pounds above the previous day.

The key is to have a steak day that very same day. Putting it off will undermine your recovery. However, a steak day can and often does put you right back on track by the following day.

The reason that I emphasize this is that a steak day is most effective only when it is implemented on that first day of too much weight increase.

A Modern Scientific Viewpoint

Dr. Simeons created his diet based on 1950s knowledge about human physiology. The discovery of the master fat hormone, leptin, in 1994 substantiates his thinking. Leptin and HCG both work by sending signals through brain receptors in the hypothalamus. Lab research with experimental animals is just now starting to show how these two hormones interact to regulate fat metabolism.

The carb connection in this scenario involves insulin, which also has a close interaction with leptin. If either one of these hormones gets out of balance, the other one will, too. Consuming excess carbs will make you fat more quickly than will any other kind of food. These hormones work together to make it so. This is why eating carbs during the three week post HCG phase ruins your newly acquired fat metabolism.

I hope this helps you understand how important it is to do the right thing during this period.

All the best in natural health,
Dr. D

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269 Comments so far »

by Gaby

Dear Dr. Clark

I did follow the 3 week period and maintained my weight well. Now I am about 6 weeks past my 2nd round and all of a sudden from one day to another I had a 3 pound weight gain. I did the steak day but only lost 1 pound. So what do I do next? another steak day? How can it happen, that I gain 3 pounds in a day. I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary nor is it that time of the month. I am very confused perhaps you can shed some light on it.

Best regards

Gaby (Dieting in Germany)
by Danelle

I’m in week 2 of phase 3 and lost weight the first couple of days. Getting used to eating (and remembering to eat–never thought I’d say that), was a task. I got sick the first few days as my stomach wasn’t ready to take on that much food/protein. It passed after several days, and I’ve been pretty stable +/- a pound. I lost 29 lbs on phase2 and haven’t been super careful about watching the exact calories I’m eating, just making sure that I’m eating the correct foods for this phase–and eating a lot of them. (igoogle calorie counter is really easy and accessible to use) I found that to boost calories in a healthy way I eat a raw avocado daily (good fats) and throw in mixed nuts for high calories. I get backed up with too much cheese, but I make sure to do that in moderation too. Keep drinking the oolong tea to help with water retention and hormone stabilization. I love this program and haven’t had this success in any attempt over the last 10 years. I can’t wait to do phase 2 again!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Great input that will benefit others. Keep up the good work!

All the best,
Dennis
by Jan

I started the hcg and on day 4 became Ill with a cold. I stopped the diet. Now it is 4 days later, aim feeling better can I restart? Do I need to overeat for the 2 days again? Or do need to wait and resart after 6 weeks?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Michael:

You can start immediately without another pair of gorging days. If you wait a week or more, then you have to start over (and expect to reach resistance sooner). Keep up the good work!

All the best,
Dennis
by Marie

On Round 1 I am down 19.5 pounds using homeopathic hcg. Have just started my second week of phase 3 and it seems too be going well. My question is what about phase 4, how should we be eating (I will be on holiday during phase 4)
I plan to start R2 in September/October.
Any help would be greatly received.

many thanks,

Marie
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Marie: You simply must eat and drink sensibly. Your body will tell you what that means when you keep track of your weight every day. It certainly includes eliminating junk food and processed carbs.
Cheers, Dennis
by VW

I have been on the HCG diet 5 weeks (started July 11th). I have lost 24 lbs; but have been stuck at my current weight for almost a week. Any suggestions?

VW
by Theresa

Dr. Clark,

I am beginning round 2 of the hCG Protocol this weekend. As when I started the hCG diet, do I again “load” with healthy fats for 2-days before I proceed with the 500-calories per day? Please advise.

Thanks,

Theresa
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, begin at the beginning again.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You should go through the Pounds and Inches book and read about plateaus.
by Tanya

I am on my last two days of injection. But I got my monthly visitor this morning. I don’t plan to take shot for three days of my cycle. But is it going to do any good to take injection for two days after the hcg is out of body.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It is probably fine to do so. The worst case scenario is that you will develop resistance to the hormone and be hungry for a couple of days.

All the best,
Dennis
by marsha

What happens if I don’t eat double the protein after the 26 days are over and just eat sensibly. I’m doing the hcg injections. I was told that for 3 weeks after the 26 day to do double my protein, and after that for 3 weeks to do the atkins. What if I don’t follow with this and just eliminate carbs for 6 weeks
by Kristina

I am curious about the combination of carbs and fat during the 3-week post-VLCD phase (phase 3), and it’s impact. On one of the hcg message boards I frequent, there seems to be an assumption that carbs should not be counted as long as they are “natural” such as in dairy and fruit, and that fats can always be unlimited. To me, that seems like a recipe for disaster. One can rack up a ton of carbs and fat from fruit, whole milk/cream, cheese and yogurt. I have taken a more Atkins-like approach to P3 and limit fats if I eat fruit or yogurt. Weight gain is blamed on “intolerances” but could it be too many carbs are getting stored as fat? Can you comment?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Kristina:

I think you are right on track. The key to resetting fat metabolism is to not have carbs and fats at the same time during Phase 3. Fats are not the problem. The combination of fats with carbs is. By the way, the “natural” business is overdone. Fruit as a carb source is widely variable. Apples will work just fine. Grapes and bananas will not. Oh, and your question about too many carbs getting stored as fat is right on the money. Indeed, of all food groups, carbs are the only group that gets converted to storage fat. The efficiency of this process depends on how your body uses insulin and leptin, which are the key hormones of fat metabolism.

I hope I answered your questions.

All the best,
Dennis
by Amanda

Really curious. I made the dumb mistake of cheating the last day of HCG diet. Put on a couple lbs. I did an apple day today…If that doesn’t work should I do a steak day tomorrow?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Apple days are for reversing plateaus while on the hormone. A steak and apple day is for when you gain a couple of pounds extra while on phase 3.
by Erin

I’m desperate for help. I made a mistake and went off the maintenance a week early. I gained a ton of weight and when I realized what I did, I went back to maintenance. I should have been off maintenance for two weeks now, but I’m not stabilizing at all. In fact, I’m having extraordinarily dramatic weight shifts. If I have anything with grains in it, I gain more than 2.2 lbs overnight. I actually gained 4.8 pounds one day, just by having a sandwich. This is weeks after maintenance should be over. I am truly not able to stabilize no matter how small the intake of grains is. I’m having a steak day every other day to correct my foray into grains. When I have no grains at all and am eating candy, tons of whole fat milk and potato, I lose as much as 1 pound overnight. I’m up and down so dramatically. My weight hasn’t stayed the same, or even been close one single day.

And just so you know, no, it is not the carbs. I’m drinking half a gallon of whole milk a day and I can eat sugar ice cream, potatoes, and candies with no problem. This is carbs and fat together. I even lost a pound in a day I ate a whole pint of Ben and Jerrys and had two potatoes. But I had one bowl of Crispex cereal and I gained 2.8 pounds.

I’M DESPERATE! Should I go back on the diet ASAP so I can reset my metabolism again? Am I never going to be able to eat grains again without gaining? I’m going to regain all the weight I lost if someone doesn’t tell me a way to correct this soon.

PLEASE HELP.
by Karlee

I’ve attempted to do the diet for the last 2 weeks…I did the loading days 2 weeks ago. I keep messing up…it’s been 3 days since i’ve taken the HCG. Can I restart tomorrow without doing the loading days again? Will I start losing weight right away? Or would it be best to wait 6 weeks and start all over?
by Erin

I’m still looking forward to your response and thought I would add a few questions. Why is it that you can’t have sugar, especially with fat, during maintenance, but you can have all the milk you want? That is sugar and fat together. There is about 88 carbs in half a gallon of milk. Why doesn’t this upset the maintenance?

Also, what do you do when the steak day doesn’t seem to pull the weight back off of you? I was destabilizing so much that I had to have a steak day every other day due to the dramatic increases in weight. It finally got to the point that the steak day stopped taking the weight back off. In fact, the last time I did it, I gained .8 pounds.

Still desperate for your help!
by Cristy

Hi Dr. Clark,
I just subscribed to your daily videos. I have a question for you. I have been on the HCG diet now for 26 days and have lost 21.5 pounds. I have been very faithful, up until 2 days ago. I decided to experiment and did a big no-no. I took a couple carb blockers
and ate 1/2 of a quizno’s turkey sub. I had nothing else to eat that day. I never left ketosis (I check with strips daily) but I shot up a pound (I’m assuming due to water retention). What do I do now to get back to where I should be? I’d really like to check out some of
your other videos since I’ve read the Pounds and Inches book. I’d like to find out more about what I’m going through right now. Do I have to wait for weeks to get to that video? I am only going to be on the protocal until 10/11 since that is when my 43 days will be
up. I will then be on the no-sugar, no-starch phase.

Any input would greatly help.

Thank you in advance for your attention.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Erin…yes, you missed the 3-week window for resetting you fat metabolism in the maintenance phase. Being off for a short time, then going back into it won’t work very well, as you have discovered. Yes, milk has a lot of carb. And yes, potatoes, candy, ice cream, and grains are going to be your nemesis more than ever. You will probably have to do the protocol again, since your weight fluctuates so wildly. You can do a 2-week protocol instead of 30 days. You have to wait 6 weeks from the end of one HCG period to the beginning of another.

Dr. D
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Some people have been successful when picking up right where they left off if he break was only a few days. You have to experiment and see how it might work for you. Otherwise, yes, you probably should wait and start the protocol over after 6 weeks.

Dr. D
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Erin…I’m with you on the milk (I have lactose intolerance anyway). It is a bad combination of fat and carbs. As I said before, your metabolism is so unstable now that you might benefit from doing the protocol all over after the proper waiting period. Good luck!

Dr. D
by Dr. Dennis Clark

This is exactly what the apple day is for. Just have 5 apples all day, immediately, and no other food, plus as little water as you can get away with. That is the classic Simeons apple day. It works miracles for getting rid of the excess fluid.

Dr. D
by Erin

Thank you for the advice. I have started the diet again. I hope it works better this time. I do have a problem that I’m hoping you can help me with. While I was doing the VLCD, I was very nauseous and could only eat fish. I think I severely malnourished myself because my hair is seriously falling out. It has been falling out for two weeks and my hair is now about half as thick as it was. I’m taking massive liquid vitamins, minerals, hair vitamins, MSM, and collagen, but it isn’t stopping. Is there anything I can do?
by Kelly Belle Moore

Hello! I have just finished my first week of phase 2. It looks like I will reach my goal weight at the end of my second week of using the drops. I know hcg is usually a 3 or 6 week program on the drops but my question is can I only do the drops for two weeks and then do the three week phase 3 and it still be effective? I do not want to end the drops early if it will not be effective but I also do not want to loose too much weight.

Please Help
Thank You!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Kelly:

You sure can. In fact, many of our clients have done a 2-week protocol just fine. In Dr. Simeons’ book, he said that you could eat the same HCG diet foods up to 1,000 calories per day, while still on the drops, if you reached your target weight early. We have found that you canfinstead just end the protocol with a 3-day washout, then phase 3 as usual. Good going!

All the best,
Dennis
by Kelly Belle Moore

Thank you for your help, this site is awesome!
by Patty Gaona

I did the loading phase and the 21 days of VLCD without any deviation from the diet. I lost 27 pounds and wanted to lose an additional 20 pounds. The plan I am on allows you to stay on the diet for 3 months using sublingual Relana HCG. Unfortunately I have had trouble staying on the diet since the first month. I have cheated intermittenly throughout the last 60 days with carbs and fats. I have not reached my goal of 20 pounds yet. I have lost an additional 9 pounds then re-gained 4 of those. Do I still go on to the 3 days VLCD without the HCG drops then do the 3 weeks of Maintenance? Another question…I still have some of the hormones left, are they still good after a 6 week break?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Patty:

I couldn’t comment on the Releana program or product, since the well-established protocol from the 1950s clearly states that, when you take the normal daily dose of HCG (i.e., 125 IU), you will develop resistance to it after a maximum of about 40 days. At that point the hormone signaling pathway quits working and people just get very hungry, as they would on a starvation diet with no hormone.

All the best,
Dennis
by Patty Gaona

I have certainly been hungry! And beating myself up because I couldn’t stay on the diet as directed for the full three months. Boy OH Boy!!! Thank you for your comment. I will definitely go a different route next time. Can you please advise as to whether I should do the three days of VLCD without the hormones then proceed to the 3 weeks of maintence at this point – given my circumstances as noted in my original post??? Thank you again for your help!
by Treena

Hi Dr Clark have a question.

I have done 2 rounds and was doing fine until I started working the night shift. I have been having some trouble stabilizing. Its only started since I started working graveyard. I only work 2 nights a week. I thinking about doing another round while I’m on my permanet shift, so that I can stabilize better. Any suggestions on eating times? I go to bed around 3:30 on thursday wake up at 8:45 and work till 7 am. Then Friday I am up till about 11:30 when my husband is off work otherwise I’m up till 2pm and then wake up at 8:45pm.

on steak days are you to drink allot of water or minimal, like the apple day? can you do apple day on phase 4? I’ve read about apple cheese day do those work also?

thank you
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Treena:

Wow, that kind of work schedule puts a lot of stress on you in many ways. Nevertheless, when you stick with the protocol it should work the same as before. Just be sure to space your meals well. The steak and apple day has no suggested restriction on fluids. The apple day is only for while on the protocol. I have never heard of an apple-cheese day. Cheese, of course, contains way too much fat to be useful during the protocol. One of my friends does a steak and apple day once per week. I think the fasting period between dinner one night and dinner (steak and apple) the next is a great double whammy positive.

All the best,
Dennis
by Shanna

Hi I just finished my 1st 30 day round of hcg on 11/21 and had a good 3 day VLCD however on 11/25-11/27 I had sugar and starches and I gained over 5 pounds and was unable to do a steak day.However 11/28 to today i have been eating very low carb diet with no sugar and starches Today is 11/30 is it to late for me to do a steak day and try to get back on track? please help
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Shanna…do a steak day ASAP. You can do one every other day if need be, although it would get a little boring.

All the best,
Dennis
by Brian M. Connole

I think this is the part that most people get concerned about doing. This is because the information provided in the protocol is very vague.

Listen to Dr D everyone, he knows his stuff!

Take care Doc,

Brian M Connole
HCG Diet 411
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Thanks, Brian. I have also enjoyed your site at hcg411. You keep up the good work, too.

All the best,
Dennis
by Joan Sternhagen

I took my last drop last night and will continue the 3 day regimen until Friday evening. I will then be in Phase 2. My question is regarding doing a 23 day regimen again. Why must I wait 6 weeks. Could I start again in 4 or 4 1/2. I am trying to fit it in again between my travels and crucial tempting events that I must attend??
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Joan…six weeks is the standard period from the original 1954 protocol by Dr. Simeons…it works well.
by danielle wilson

i was on the hcg diet for 60 days, no problems. now my hair is falling out. is there any way to stop it? i have lost about 40% of my hair so far. it has been three months since i have taken the hcg.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Danielle: It would be best for you to see a doctor in person about this issue.

All the best,
Dennis
by Christina23

Hi Dr. Clark; I did a 40day round of HCG drops and I’m in phase 3 now and was wondering if exercise is contraindicated for any reason? If I do around an hour of cardio everyday; how is that expected to affect my weight, if at all?
Thank you!
by Becky B.

To reassure people who are following the maintenance but gain 2 to 3 lbs. in a day, remember, it’s water weight. Unless you are consuming 3500 or more you cannot gain a pound of fat in one day! Increase your water intake for a few days and the weight will come right off.
by Angie

I am wondering… when I have completed phase 3 and set my weight, would I be able to do Weight Watchers points to keep my weight off? Thank you!
by Nicole

Dr. Clark,
I am on day 2 after my last dose of the HCG pellets, round 1. I know I have one more day before the HCG is out of my system. I have gained 2 pounds. I’m sure it’s water but it’s disconcerting nonetheless. Do I do a steak day now? With the HCG pellets, how many weeks do I have to wait before I can do a round 2 on the HCG pellets?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Nicole…you are right on the edge between phases. Day 2 should still give results on a regular apple day. I sent you an email about the importance of waiting between protocols…normally the wait period is 6 weeks.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Angie…if you can eat the stuff that Weight Watchers offers, more power to you. A low carb diet (NOT low fat) with lots of fresh (non-processed) food would be better.
by Donna

Dr. I failed too take the drops on the first 2 gorge days. But have been on the vlcd for 2 weeks. What should I do?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Keep going as normal. You may experience some early hunger and slow progress at first.

All the best,
Dennis
by adf

Hi!

i have some concerns…. i was on hcg injections for 3 weeks, i followed it perfectly for 21 days of injections and 2 days eating the same w/o injection. i then started the 3 wks of maintenance eating basically the same but incorporating dairy and nuts and only 1 tsp of sugar a day. while on my 3 wks i lost and additional 5 pounds. my calories never reached 1000, at most 940, but im not really hungry. for the past 11 days, i have maintained my weight, maybe going down .5 of a pound one day then back up .5 lb. i am unsure as to why, and is this a good thing that my weight is stabilizing? i am also due for my menstrual in seven days. is that a factor? i did incorporate the gym as well doing low weights (7lbs) or using my body weight and do squats/lunges and i actually gained a half a pound, is that a factor? while on the injection, i did stay the same weight for 10 days, then after my menstrual i lost 3lbs.

my other concern is that when i start to eat pasta, breads again…. i do not want to blow up, i read a post above that (erin) that she gained 4.8 lbs after eating a sandwich and 2.2 lbs after eating a bowl of cereal. is that going to happen to me. if i remember correctly, she didn’t complete the maintenance phase.

im truly looking forward to your response.

thank you.
by Michelle

I had my last hcg drops one week ago. I have not eaten anything outside of the approved list of foods but I have not maintained a schedule for eating and think I may have under eaten. I gained 2 lbs. and did a steak day yesterday. It brought me back down 1lb. This morning I woke up and did not have time for breakfast. It is now lunch and I still have not eaten. I have a trip on May 30. Should I retake the drops for 3 days then 3 day washout? Also, I am concerned because I have done 2 rounds of hcg. I am supposed to be on hrt therapy (delayed puberty) but do not take my estrogen or progesterone as they no longer initiate a menstral cycle. I have fat in my abdomen area and sides that is not hard but very “mushy” Even after 2 rounds of hcg, this fat has reduced in size but during each round of 23 days I only lose about 11 lbs.
by Bwecca

Hi, I’m on the second week of phase 1, I do very well monday thru friday, but my husband does not make it easier for me, I don’t stick to the diet on the weekends, saturday and sunday, but I do not eat alot. first week i lost 12 pounds and saturday and sunday ate what ever, still took the drops and gain 3 pounds back, than come Monday, 3 days ago, got back on the diet, lost the 3 pounds, plus 2 more pounds, total of 14 pounds lost as of today, sticking to my diet. i’m afraid that i mught not stick to the diet on this weekend, due to mother’s day, kids are taking me out to eat. Does this mean that I will be losing the weight slowly, because of not sticking to the diet on weekends.
by Jacque T

I followed the plan for 21 days and am having an interuption for a week and a half due to travel, I am halfway through this interuption and have eaten good for the most part but did give in to some carbs and have gained 2 lbs. When the interuption is over can I resume drops and finish to day 40 or do I have to start all over? Also when off the vlcd can I increase exercize right away?
by Laura

Hi,
I finished 38 days on the VLCD and lost 22 lbs. I just finished my semester of nursing school and really got off track fast. I have gained 5lbs back. At this point what should I do. Should I start eating low-carb and excercise and see what happens? Or is my metabolism screwed up and I need to wait another four weeks and do the protocol again. I have extra supplies and would like my set weight to be 130, and I am 140 right now. I actually read that you usually settle in at about five pounds heavier than when on the protocol. UGH, I am upset that i messed up phase 3 but there were so many social functions going on and I dove right into my old habits after feeling so good!

Any advice will be followed and greatly appreciated!!!
by naomi Rue

Dr.Clark, I am finishing up round two phase two of the HCG diet and am almost at my goal weight. My question is, I usually work out pretty intensly. I would like to start again during maintainance phase, but I know that muscle weighs more than fat. Will working out make me gain back the lbs that I’ve lost, or will it equal out with metabolism?? I’m very interested in your answer.
by nela

Dear Dr. D,

I’m on my first round with hcg (inj.) Today is Day 3 of VLCD and Day 5 of injections. I’ve been religious abt VLCD. But I JUST realized I drank 1 and 1/2 bottles of green tea that had 45g of sugar!:( I thought it was sugar free and was adding stevia to it. I am devastated. What do you recommend? What will be the impact? Thanks so much for your site.
by kwg

I started the hgc diet and it seem to me that i’m not losing any weight. i got on the scale and out of 14 days, i only lost 4lbs… what am i doing wrong. I eat salads with grill chicken every day… breakfast is grapefruit and diner is a baked chicken …. don’t get me wrong i do look better but i guess i was expecting to lose a lot more.
by Joanne

Hi Dr. Clark,

I have finished P2 a week ago and of course started p3, I am very discouraged, I gained 4lbs, it may be due to not enought food. Please help, I don’t want to gain all the weight back. I have lost a t total of 18. 4 lbd on P2.

Thank you for your time.

Joanne
by Brittany Marshall

Dr. D,
I finish my diet in 3 days. I have lost about 14 pounds in all. I have been experiencing major hunger lately and I have noticed that when i only eat what is prescribed in the diet that I dont lose as much, I have been eating about 3-4 snacks a day instead of 2 just to fill myself up and it hasnt effected my weight loss. Why is this? Also, I work from 4pm-12 so keeping the diet during those hours is hard because I cant eat. How should I work around this? Last question, If you do not “maintain” the diet for 3 weeks will it still work or will I just gain all the weight that I lost back? I am curious as to how much the maintenance actually effects the permanent weight loss.

Thanks!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Overall, outside your menstrual period, you should keep your post-HCG weight within 2 lbs. of your final weight as you go through Phase 3. This is critical for stabilizing your carb to fat metabolism. Carbs must be kept low. Regarding Erin’s gain, that is typical of fluid retention when having too much carb. The steak and apple day strategy puts you right back on track when that happens.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Taking the drops for only 3 days is an unknown. Just keep to a post-HCG diet that keeps you within 2 lbs. of your final weight from your previous HCG protocol.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, you will undermine your results when you get off the protocol so often.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Start over. Exercise any time you wish.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Laura…You can do a 2-week protocol to get yourself back to where you want to be. And stick to the Phase 3 this time! Good luck.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It depends on what you do to build muscle. You probably won’t add so much lean body mass as to upset your weight management.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Use an apple day when something like this happens.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, you should lose at least a half a pound per day. Check any possible source of oil in your diet (salad dressing?), and make sure that your chicken is only breast meat (not pressed meat, either).
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Use a steak and apple day as often as needed to keep your post-HCG weight within 2 lbs. of your final weight on the protocol.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Proper maintenance for 3 weeks is critical. You seem to be able to take in more calories without consequence. Just be sure that you keep the sugar and starches out of your diet for Phase 3.
by kari

Dr. D,
Is it true some people benefit from the use of limited unrefined coconut oil on phase 2? I am on R1, P2, D10 and am down 11.4 pounds. I quit breast feeding my baby 5 days before the loading days. And have had 2 non consecutive stall days but cant seem to figure out what causes that. Is it normal to have days with no loss? I have 8.6 pounds till my goal. With 11 days left of protocol I am beginning to feel light headed at times. Is it OK to spread out my 2 protein servings to 4 smalling servings through out the day? Also, at this rate I will meet Goal, but do people generally see a slow down towards the end of protocol?
by MM

Dr. Dennis Clark,

This is my 5th day on phase 3 and i have gained 2 pounds without the intake of carbs or sugar. Yesterday i had grapefruit and 3 apples all day and some tofu for dinner, but i still gained 2lbs. Why could this be happening? I am paranoid at this point. My calorie intake was maybe 500-600 calories if that. Please help.
by Griselda

Hi Dr, my question is: I started p3 yesterday and I was wondering what can happen if I follow Weight Watchers plan sticking to the protocol just to loose more weight? Will my body get out of whack? Or can I successfully loose the weight? Can the hypothalamus be reset later on if I stay away from carbs and sugars after reaching m goal with weight watchers?
by hamna

hi there
I want to kow what could be the best things to eat durring phaseon?
by NIcole B

I have been on the HCG diet for approx. 15 days and it has been going really well. I have achieved the weight loss I was expecting however today JULY 4th I ate outside of the diet. Does this mean the diet will no longer work for me or can I simply beging my drops again tommorow with and apple day to keep my body on track. I am very disappointed in myself consdsidering th fact that I was doing so well and all it took was a holdiay and I step oustide of my boudnaries. Help what do I do now?
by Susan

I too did not understand the phase 3 maintenance phase and ate carbs with 15 grams or less. I did dabble with sugar but not a lot. I have regained 6 lbs. How long do I wait to do the 2 week protocol and reset with phase 3? Once this phase is complete are people able to lose weight naturally by eating low calorie/ low carb along with exercise?
by Krista

Hello. Dr. D,
I am doing well on phase 2. Just wondering if there is any seasoning that I could use to make my foods creamier, or, do I just need to tough it out until phase 2 is over. I really love avocados, I can eat them in phase 3 right? Or do I have to wait until my 3weeks are up? Looking forward to your response.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

I don’t know of any creamer-type seasoning that are asking about. Anyone else have a comment? Avocados are pretty loaded with carbs and will put your Phase 3 success at risk.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The standard wait period between protocols is 6 weeks (i.e., 3 weeks of Phase 3, then an additional 3 weeks). Yes, you can be very successful in the long term via low carb and exercise. You must get sufficient calories, though. The idea of ‘low calories’ may work depending on what you mean.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

No need to beat yourself up. You can do an apple day whenever you need it. Otherwise, just pick up where you left off before going outside the diet.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Something good for your health – fresh, protein and veggi-rich – until you are full (not overfull).
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The idea is to eat mostly protein and fat. Don’t skimp on the calories. A steak and apple day is very helpful.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Slow downs are not necessarily common. You can spread out your meals any way you wish. Light-headedness happens to me, too.
by LizzJ

I am starting the HCG pellets tomorrow, and I am so nervous, and some what confused in knowing what to eat, even thought I see it all over. I guess it is nerves. Also do I need to take Vitamin B12
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It sounds like nerves. Just keep things simple and you will be pleasantly surprised how easy and how effective the protocol is. B-12 can be helpful with energy.

All the best,
Dennis
by Sandra

My husband is on the hcg phase 3 and he has gained 3lbs then had a steak day and walked now he has only gained 2lbs lost 1.Im really getting freaked out about this phase 3 because Im just on phase 2. He isn’t cheating I know for a fact I make all his food. What should I do for him dont want to have him gain his 42 lbs back he lost.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Sandra:

It is harder for some people to reset their carb/fat metabolism during phase 3. I’ve known people to alternate steak/apple days if need be. Make sure to include the apple! Stick with it and make sure that he neither gains nor loses more than 2 lbs from his final weight at the end of phase 2.

All the best,
Dennis
by Valerie

I did the 45 day HCG diet and lost 17lbs. Near the end I went on antibiotics and as I finished the HCG I went on vacation and did not watch my eating or drinking. I also had a terrible sun interaction with the antibiotic. In addition, my bowels are very unhappy and although I am eliminating, I have alot of discomfort. I know I am wallowing in fluid from the histamine etc but the scale says I gained 9 lbs in 4 days!!!! Should I do an apple day? A steak day? Start the entire diet over? Is it too soon? Please help.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Valerie:

Sorry to hear of your extra challenges. Regarding the HCG protocol, you have discovered what way too many others have also discovered the hard way … Phase 3 of the protocol is absolutely crucial for long-term success. This is the phase that you must stick with to the letter, even more so than Phase 1 or 2. All is not lost for you, though. You are undoubtedly retaining extra fluid, since putting on that much body tissue in 4 days is hard to do. The steak and apple day can work miracles when you get puffed up with extra fluid. In fact, I have seen clients go way above their final HCG protocol weight and bring it back down quickly by having a steak and apple day every other day until getting back on track. Be sure to stick with the ultralow carbs in between, and only have a steak and an apple for dinner (no other meals) on the other days. Let me know how it goes. Oh, and for certain do not start another protocol series sooner than 6 weeks after you started Phase 3 on the previous series.

All the best,
Dennis
by Kathy Wuistinger

I have lost 40 lbs on the Hcg diet and have been able to maintain the weight within 2 lbs since I stopped the diet. I stopped the diet in May. I have wavered around 2 lbs either way. This morning I weighed almost 3 lbs more and I’m extremely worried because the last few days I’ve had a tendency to gain instead of going up and down. Should I do the steak and apple? I’ve not been consistent on eating apples since I quit the diet…is that the problem? I’ve started walking and doing stretching exercises for my stomach. Is that creating more muscle?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Kathy:

It sounds as though a steak and apple day would be helpful. No, stopping apples altogether should be fine. They can be helpful, though! I don’t know whether you are building more muscle, although I doubt that it is a significant amount if you are.

All the best,
Dennis
by Cheryl

I finished phase 2 with drops on Friday taking my last drops at 5 PM. I’ve read that phase 3 starts 72 hours after your last drops. Does that mean I eat like I’m still on the diet for the next 3 days or next 72 hours after the last drops? More specifically – can eat more protein and veggies with salad dressing on Monday after 5 PM? Or do I wait until Tuesday morning to add in healthy fats and officially start Phase 3?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Cheryl: You eat for three days on the same 500-calorie diet, without taking any hormone, before starting Phase 3.
by Charlotte

I am on day 15 of P3 and have have had great results. I have stayed the exact same weight since the last day of my drops. I lost 16 pounds during P2 but wanted to lose 7 more pounds to be at my ideal weight. My question is do I do another round or is there another way of losing without the drops? In the last week of P2 I started to slow down on the weight loss. Maybe 6 ounces every other day to two days. I worry with so few pounds to lose that when I start back on another round that it will be slow and I will get discouraged. Also what kind of weight loss per day should I expect?
by diane

I finished my second round of the hcg diet.I went off the maniance one day early and am gaining weight.Help.What can I do to get it back off.Im up 7 pounds and need it off.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Charlotte:

Congratulations on your success. Your results are typical for women. As to how fast you might reach your ideal weight, it varies. However, you can do the protocol for two weeks and see how it goes. If you reach your ideal weight within that period, you can do one of two things. You can up your calories (double, to 1,000 calories per day, on the same foods) and stay on the HCG (recommended), or you can do a 3-day washout and start Phase 3. With your success so far, I’d say that you should get the results you want.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Diane…as soon as your weight starts to go up, this is when a steak and apple day comes in handy; you can gain a lot of weight fast by retaining fluids, and a steak and apple day resets you…Dennis
by diane

Thank you,so I can do a steak day any time I go up after doing the maninance part of the diet?Ive lost 68 pounds on the diet and I do not want to gain any back.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, you can do a steak (and apple!) day at any time.
by Diana

On Phase III is it alright to eat lots of different nuts? For exampe, almonds, walnuts, cashews, macadamia, pistatios, etc.
by Diana

May I use a tanning lotion and what kind?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Diana…too many nuts would be too much carbohydrate for Phase 3…just be careful with them.

Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

…anything not oily
by Ricky

Hi Dr. Clark

I sure hope you can help. I finished my 2nd round of HGC at a weight of 137.8. I was handling Phase 3 quite nicely got down to 136.0, got my period and shortly after landed myself in hospital due to unforseen medical issues, unrelated to hgc. To make a long story short, I was on an IV and being fed liquids. My weight went up to 139.0 or so, but I had no control to do a steak day to bring it down. I am now out of hospital doing well healthwise but my weight is still hovering around 139.8. Is it too late to do a steak day? Will it be effective? or has my body reset to this new level. I had my heart set on getting down to 135 and I was close. Should I just see out this phase 3 and then work on the last five pounds independently?
by Diana

Are apples the best fruit to eat in Phase 2? Are they a diarrhetic? What is so magical about apples?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Ricky:

Sorry to hear of your medical challenge. Staying in a hospital is the worst thing to do for anyone’s diet. What you can do now is a combination of steak and apple day and intermittent fasting every other day. The fasting is part of the steak and apple day, since you are not supposed to eat until dinner of that day. This is a remarkable recovery strategy. In between s/a days, keep your carbs as low as you can. Good luck. You should get to that 135 lb level soon.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Diana…they seem to act as a diuretic, although not in the sense that a diuretic drug would. We don’t understand the magic of apples.

All the best,
Dennis
by Chely

I wasted an entire bottle of hcg for a 23 day worth. I cheated basically throughout the whole bottle. then I moved to 2nd nottle so I could do it right. I cheated halfway through the bottle, but I am doing very well with the last half. I did want to lose much weight by the end of september, but my 40 days of taking hcg will ne up by the beginning of september. if I have to do the 3-6 week maimtenance phase then I will not be able to reach goal before my family reunion… so what I am asking is… 1: do I HAVE to do maintainence or do I not because I cheated so much. 2:if yes can 3 weeks only work or must it be 6? 3. if I didn’t do maintainence would the hcg still burn fat but id be hungry or would it stop doing its job altogether??
by Diana

I need to lose about 60 pounds. Will I get just as good of results by doing 3 rounds of HCG at 23 days instead of two 40 days of HCG?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Diana…You probably will. It will just take longer, considering the required 6-week period between rounds.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Chely:

You are in unknown territory here. I would guess (and it would be a guess) that you have developed resistance to the HCG, just because you have used it for so long. Reversing resistance does take about 6 weeks.

All the best,
Dennis
by Diana

On the apple steak day, does it have to be at dinner time or can it be earlier as long as i just eat the one meal? I enjoy eating a big lunch and no dinner.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Diana:

Are you guessing about these things? The directions are to fast all day and have a steak and apple at dinner.

All the best,
Dennis
by Ricky

Thanks Dennis I appreciate your advice on this. It’s hard for folks to understand how important it is for me to reach my goal. Everyone just sees that I am a size4/6 and thinks I’m crazy. For me it’s about a strong finish. I’ve come this far I just want to be successful. I will say however, that I got so fed up today that I ate a lot of yogurt and fruit, more than my fair share I am sure. At least 4 servings. I try to keep dairy to a minimum so I know the scale might not be too nice to me tomorrow. In any event, it was a conscious decision and now I am ready to fix it.

So just to be clear the strategy is to use a combination of s/a days. So am I doing one steak day followed by an apple day and keep this up until the weight is off? When do I do the high protein day in between? In other words what would you suggest my menu be for instance over the next 3 to 4 days? I am supposed to begin carbs on 8/21. I would really like to fit one in or two in inorder to keep my sanity while still getting down to my goal weight. I haven’t had any for about 6weeks now. Any suggestions?
by Ricky

so I did a steak day yesterday. I had two cups of coffee with cream. I had an apple in the morning, I had to I couldn’t hold out and the largest steak I could find in the evening. I had it with dijon mustard. I did however and prepare it with salt and a little olive oil. I only dropped 1lb. Did I do something wrong? All that effort for 1lb. I could have done that on my own without all the discomfort. Maybe I should just be happy with weiging 138.8lb although it gives me absolutley no flexibility for the future. My ending injection weight was 137.8. I haven’t seen that since before I became sick. This is fatiguing. My body just doesn’t respond to anything anymore. I am getting really tired of this. Dr. D, can you help? or anyone out there with this kind of experience. Getting desparate now and I don’t know what to do. What is even more frustrating is that my husband is below his goal weight and we are both supposed to start carbs today. Still not sure what to do. Should I just give myself a break and go ahead and maintain for a bit for sanity sake and then try to on my own. The apples days and steak days have never worked for me beyond a 1-1.5lbs and for me that just isn’t worth the effort. HELP PLEASE!!!!
by Carolina

If you lose weight during the washout days, should you use your weight from the 3rd washout day for the +-2 pound average during maintenance or still use the weight from the morning on the last sublingual dose? And if it is the ones from the last dose, do you have to correct the weight loss if it is more than two more pounds during washout by gaining the weight?
by Annie

I messed up and had 4 beers. AT home of course. Can I just continue on my VLCD or do I need to do a steak day. Thanks.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Annie…Ah, beer is so good in the summertime! A steak day is for Phase 3, which is NOT a VLCD period. If you are on VLCD, do an apple day. And stay away from the beer, for now.

All the best,
Dennis
by Annie

I stayed the same weight for 2 days so I did the apple day and still hadn’t lost weight this morning. Since I have to have aonly an apple for lunch today will I lose tomorrow?
by Kathy Hildreth

I am in my last day of the 500 calories without HCG. Tomorrow I will be starting to add foods back to my diet. I know I should not eat sugars or starches. Any suggestion on what I should eat for the next 1-3 and 4-6 weeks.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Annie…an apple day allows more than one apple…don’t starve yourself!

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Great question, Kathy…I suggest you click on the icon on my homepage where it says ‘What to Do After HCG Weight Loss’ for a book that answers your questions about Phase 3 and beyond.

All the best,
Dennis
by melissa

Hello,
So I’m playing with this diet a little bit…I did 1 round in june, took almost a 5 week break, maitained a weight loss overall, started the drops again july 30th, maintained a LCD but not following the diet as precise as before, did this for 2 weeks, then ran out of drops and just started a maintain phase again. My question now is I want to start again following the exact protocal, only 3 weeks have passed in between. Do you think I need to wait a 6-8 week span, or can I just roll with it. I did the drops for 2 days already at this point, but someone suggested I wait? Thanks a bunch for any advise.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Melissa:

Playing? Okay then. Answers to your questions depend entirely on what kind of drops you are taking. Waiting between series does, indeed require a waiting period of at least 6 weeks if you are taking real HCG.

All the best,
Dennis
by Carolina

I cheated today on the first day after my last dose. If I just continue the rest of the washout days as usual, will I be ok for phase 3? Should I still have my VLCD dinner or skip it since I upped my calories with my cheat?

Thanks!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Carolina:

Just keep the schedule as if you hadn’t cheated. Then stick closely to Phase 3. That should work out just fine for you. Good luck!

All the best,
Dennis
by Amber guhr

I started my hcg drops two days before my period was to start and now I haven’t started my period. I am about 10 days late. Could be caused by me starting the hcg when I did?
by Tori

Hi! So i have done the hcg diet twice because the first time my body didn’t stabilize at all. I am on the phase three or stabilization phase currently and are having to do a steak day every other day. It is discouraging and i don’t know why. I eat very healthy, read all labels, haven’t had sugar in four years, i eat gluten free and the only flours i use are garbanzo or almond, i only eat the foods they deem acceptable but are still rapidly seeing my weight go up and down. I don’t know why. Help!
by Diana

I completed all three phases. I lost 22.6 pounds. I did the 23 days. I am going to start again on October 8. Am I allowed to try and lose weight while I am waiting to go back on Phase 1 or do I have to start having starches and refined sugar during this break? I did lose 20.6 pounds and lost 2 pounds during Phase 3. Please advise.
by sara

hi,
i am 9 weeks postpartum and will be starting the hcg diet next monday. i work 3 7p-7a night shifts a week. my question is how should i go about eating and takeing my hcg? any thoughts?
do i take the hcg before meals or can i do like a 9a/9p schedule?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Amber:

This is hard to say. However, I know that you should wait until after your period to start on the HCG.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Tori:

Stabilizing sometimes take greater effort for some of us. It is not unheard of to have a steak and apple day every other day. Just keep your weight within the 2-pound limit of your end point.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Diana:

Eat well, without starches and sugar, for the best continuing results. Don’t reduce calories to lose weight in between HCG series, though.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Sara…just take the HCG in more or less equal intervals (e.g., 12 hours apart) if you can.

All the best,
Dennis
by Karma

I’m on D4/P2 doing 40 day plan.
2 questions.
Can I take drops every day, or do I have to not take drops every 6th day?
Do I have to stop taking drops on my period?
by Roma

Hi Dr. Clark. Yes,…. I also misunderstood the 3 weeks of PH 3 being crucial to be adhered to. I have done 3 rounds of hCG – all sublingual drops. Rnd 1 homeopathic,… Rnds 2-3 – real hCG, mixing w/ silver & B12. After Rnd 1 – I gained back 13.4 lbs in 12wks, After Rnd 2 – gained 28.1 in 27 Wks, After Rnd 3 – The Worst. 46.4 lbs in 40 Wks. Totally out of control. So! During this TOTAL course of time I lost 90.8 lbs, & Gained back 87.9 (Rt back where I started). However, through the course of 3 Rounds as U can C, I waited more weeks than the required time between Each Round (12,27, & 40 Wks) Plus I did drops for longer: 44/50/49 Days. Rnd 3 lost least weight, & drops stopped “WORKING” (day 46-49). Getting senitised to hCG. THAT Rnd produced least amount of weight loss. Because of that, I waited 40 weeks for my system to get unused to hCG,.. but because of the long WAIT & not being stabilized I gained back the MOST (46.4 Lbs) & aldso doing sdtupid other diets to try & lose in the the meantime. So Now – Rnd 4, back ontrack losing. I want to do 45 days of Hcg drops (if Possible, & if still losing) w/real hCG. Question #1. Do you think I should just do 40 days of drops instead? Even if still losing? 2nd Question: what supplement is best to take to not be hungry…? I did a lot of fruit (pineapple papaya, banana) & yogurt the last 3 times, so THAT was probably the culprit. If I do well, and not gain during ph 3 after my Rnd 4 drops,… how long should I wait before starting Rnd 5….? Thanks. I amn Sooooooo going to follow the Ph 3 & Maintenace Phases from now on. Please answer my 3 questions. q1 how long dshould I stay on the drops this time? how long should I wait betweeen Rnds 4 & 5, and what sdupplement to suppress appetite? Thanks. You are my last hope
by Hannah

Hi Dr, I was going to start round 2 and I was just wondering what the affects were if I did 4 days of gorging. You say 2 days or 3-4 days if Oh Just came off a diet. I technically just came.off hcg diet, does that count?
by Alyson

Hi Dr. Dennis,

Reading all these comments from other HCG users have been very helpful. I apologize in advance, if I’m asking the same question again (albeit different words), but i would just like to be clear. I finished Phase 1 about 5 days ago now, but as soon as my last wash-out day was complete, i experienced an intense, insatiable hunger and pretty much fell off the wagon-especially with carbs which has always been my weakness.
Now 5 days later, I am up by 5 pounds in my weight. Can I go back and start the diet over again with the drops, or should I just stick to steak days for the next couple of days until my weight drops back to what it was?
Thank you so much for your time.
by Alyson

I should clarify that the intense, uncontrollable hunger is a common symptom that happens to me before I get my monthly visitor. I don’t know why, but it’s always been that way for me.
Also, in regards to the Steak Day, is any meat alternative acceptable, or must it be steak? Do I keep drinking fluids (water, tea, coffee) throughout the day during this time?
by Diana

Is it okay to have balsamic vinegar on Phase II?
by trisha

Once iv finished my drops how long till I can start again so I can lose more wright?????
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It is fine to take them every day except for the 3-4 heaviest days of your menstrual cycle.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Roma…you have good plans in place, which you undermine with those evil carbs. Before you launch the protocol again, figure out what kinds of snack foods you are willing to stick with during P3 so you won’t eat carbs. This is a good strategy for life, by the way. And be sure to wait at least 6 weeks between rounds, long enough to have any residual resistance to HCG disappear. Dr. Simeons also said something about not going on weight loss diets when doing or planning to do the HCG protocol. It seems that all you do is lose normal fat, which returns with a vengeance, and lean body mass. The best supplement we have found is chromium picolinate, 1500-2000 mcg per day. Get a phentermine prescription if you are really desperate. Yes, fruit is Nature’s candy…loaded with sugar.

Now go get the body you want and keep it that way! Good luck!

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Do not gorge for 4 days while on HCG. You can gorge ahead of time without the hormone if you must. In fact, Dr. Simeons mentioned that this might be helpful before the actual 2-day gorging while on the hormone when you start the protocol.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You must wait 6 weeks before starting another protocol. As you have learned, carbs are evil … okay, starches and sugar are the actual culprits. Find some protein and fat snacks to replace them. I love pork rinds, for example. Eat as much as you want to stay satisfied as long as you stick to protein and fat. Veggies can work well, too (celery) as long as they are not starchy or sugary.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, I’ve had good success on the ‘steak’ day with chicken instead. Other protein-and-fat meats will also work. Yes, keep up the fluid intake.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Too much sugar.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

6 weeks.
by Hannah

So this is only my 6th day on phase 3 and I’ve already. Had 3 steak days. What am I doing wrong. Oh and either my scale is wrong or the steak days didn’t work. Dr what do I do!
by Hannah

Oh another question. You said don’t gorge for 4 days while taking drops? So I could gorge for two days without taking drops Then continue gorging for another two days but on those last two days, start taking drops?
by Aaron G.

Dr. Clark,

What if I was on phase 2 of the diet for less than 2 weeks? Came off it for 2 weeks then went back on for a week? I know I’m messed up and an idiot for doing so but it seems like now I can’t touch carbs or I’ll gain weight about 3 weeks after the last drops. Any advice as to how I can correct this?
by Callie

Dr. Clark, PLEASE HELP!

I am extremely concerned about the amount of time I will be into P3 before going on vacation to Mexico. Everyone is telling me I will be fine deviating since I will be in P3 for 2 weeks but after reading your responses I seriously doubt what I am being told. There will be plenty of fish, seafood, chicKen, etc but to me the nachos, tortillas, cheese, beans, avacados, etc (FAT & CARBS!) spells DISASTER for when I get back.

I can’t cancel the trip and the food is one of the reasons we’re going. (I scheduled the trip b4 finding the HCG diet & I was encouraged to start the diet right away rather than waiting.) Should I end P2 early so I can finish 3 weeks before going? What should I do when I get back? Stay on P3 for an extra week before moving to P3? Doing so I would be doing 21 days of P2, 21 days of P3, and P4 would start on vacation day 1.

Also, I seriously retain water after long flights any suggestions while there and when I get back?

I just read something about your videos. I’m going to check them out now. Thank you for your help!!!

Callie
by kyra

Hi dr.
I’m on p3d3.my ldw was 194 it dropped to 192.6 on p3D1.on the same day 1 I went out and had chicken 2 baked breasts with salad and a shot glass of red wine.on D2 Yesterday I was down to 192 flat.Tom began on day 2. I had major cravings so I had a subsalad with bbq chicken breast and two pieces of fried chicken breast for dinner it only occured to me afterwards that the chicken was dipped in flour and was against the rules!.so today d3 my weight is 194.4. I’m considering doing the steak day but I’m not sure if it’s advised to do it while I’m on TOM? Please help also which weight should I be looking at my ldw 194 or my p3d1 weight 192.6?
by amanda

I am on day 27. I have lost 20 lbs, but I have stopped loosing for the last 5. So essentially, I hit resistance at day 20. Thoughts?
by Diana

I noticed pork is not one of the meats mentioned that you are allowed to eat in Phase !!. Is it acceptable to eat pork tenderloin since it is a very lean cut of meat?
by sona

Hi,

I started the drops R1 11days back
wanted to loose 16kgs i have lost 10pnds by the 5th day then i cheated on the 6th day I had a stall for 3 days n after those 3 days got my periods so i stopped the drops, so on second of my periods without the drops and after the stall i lost 2 pnds and again stalled on the third day so overall lost around 5kgs of weight by 11days I am on my fourth day of my periods but want start the drops right way.. is it ok to do it will i loose atleast another 5kgs by another 11days.. please reply
by Carol

Hi
I have been off the drops for 4 days after losing 25lbs. However in the last 24 hours I have really fallen off the wagon and have eaten milk, fat and carbs – alot! I am terrified. If I eat nothing but a steak tomorrow – will this help? Can I do the steak day everyday until I get back on track?
Thanks
by Angela

Hi Dr. Clark, I took the Homeopathic HCG drops for 21 days. It worked FOR ME when nothing else ever did. I won’t give the before number but I will tell you I lost 21 lbs. My problem is I didn’t realize that for the 3 weeks after, I needed to keep away completely from carbs and sugar. My total number has gone back up 8 lbs since last Monday when I stopped taking the drops. I also take a prescribed medication for water retention so I don’t know if it is fluid building up? Is it too late to do the Steak/Apple days? What can I do? I was going to do another round anyway so should I just start over now?
Thank you,
Angela
by Wendy

Hi there.
I successfully lost 20lbs and 20inches with the HCG Diet about 6 months ago and have easily maintained my weight…until now! In the last 2 weeks I have gained 8lbs and I am not happy. When I first noticed I was 2lbs above my last injection day weight, I ignored it bc I was PMS, but two weeks later I still haven’t gotten my period (I am not pregnant) and I am now 5lbs over my last injection day. Is it too late to do steak day? What do I do to get back on track? Thanks, Wendy
by Connie

I will finish up my 43 days in about 2 weeks. Can I start a second round after 3 weeks of phase 3-maintenance. Do I gorge again for 2-3 days when I do start round 2?
by Elle

Hi, in reading through the comments on this page I saw that you mentioned doing a 2 week protocol if you missed the maintenance stabilization window. I am just wondering where I can get more information on how to approach a 2 week protocol? I am really wondering how the fat loading + diet days work (i.e., how many days in total are we talking about?) Thanks so much. I have found your site very helpful!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It is hard to diagnose problems via blog questions. Go as low on carbs as possible, and do a steak and apple day as often as needed. Be sure to include the apple!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Gorging on the drops is for 2 days only. Gorging beforehand is not necessarily recommended, although eating to satisfaction is helpful. Just don’t reduce calories before starting the protocol.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Go low carb until the next protocol, then stick with it when you do it again.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, carbs to count when you leave town. P3 is a good strategy even after the 3 week post-HCG period. General recommendations for the fluid retention problem on long flights is to get up and walk around (although airline folks don’t like you to do this).
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yup, do a steak day anytime.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

This depends on how much abnormal fat you had to lose and/or on an early development of resistance to HCG. If an apple day does nothing, then you may be at the stop point for this round.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Probably not. It may not be as lean as it seems to be. Even turkey breast is off limits, so just stick to the approved foods.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Go ahead and start the drops again. You certainly can still drop another 5 kg.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Steak AND apple. Do a steak and apple day on alternate days if necessary.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Do steak/apple days any time you want. Don’t start another round too soon (wait 6 weeks in between). Then be sure to do the Phase 3 on low carbs. Good luck!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, do a steak day at any time, as often as you want.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Last dose to next dose must be about 6 weeks.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It is just a shortened protocol, with all the phases as usual except the HCG phase.
by Hannah

Can I do a steak day if I didn’t gain weight?
by Kimmarie

Hello Dr.,

I am currently on P3 and having to do Steak Days every other day. Frustrating but necessary. My question is actually for P4. I will be in P4 3 days when I will have to go in for arm surgery for scar tissue removal. Is there any danger of weight gain due to being put under or any of the meds necessary for recovery so close to the start of P4? Also, if I have not found my weight to stabilize for more than a couple of days during P3, should I not go into P4 until it does?
by Misty

Hi, I am on week 3 of the hcg spray. My end date is a week from this Friday but I need to quit three days earlier so I can have my three day ending of no hcg but still eating 500 cal/day done before that weekend. Is this ok ??
by Connie

I will finish up my 43 days in about 2 weeks. Can I start a second round after 3 weeks of phase 3-maintenance. Do I gorge again for 2-3 days when I do start round 2? Could I please get a response? It has been a week and waiting?
by Martha

Hi i just would like to know if i can still ride my bike and can i go to the gym? I only do the treadmill. Someone help!
by Jaydon

I am at the end of my first week of maintenance and found my body did not like walnuts (as I didn’t incorporate anything else ‘new’ that day). I went up 4 lbs and followed the morning of the gain with a steak day. I also had an apple with supper. Steak day only provided a loss of 0.4 Should I do another steak day? Are there adverse affects to only eating steak at night multiple times? I am worried this ‘correction’ technique won’t work for me and am wondering if there is anything else I would be able to try?
by Desperate

Dear Dr. I have lost 100 pounds on HCG..but on my last phase 3 I did not stabilize so I waited three weeks and did stabilization then I loaded and went back on Phase 2 for three weeks. Now I am still not stabilizing I have gained 7 pound in 2.5 weeks. I did three steak days. One I lost 2.4 pounds, one I lost .4 and the other nothing. What should I do I have worked so hard to see the weight come back. Would exercise help? What should I do==HELP!!
Thank you
by Doris

I am about to start another course of hcg injections
Waited six weeks always within 2 pounds of 25 lb loss
Now gaining quickly up 6 lbs.
Do I need to gorge to start second course?
by Ceann

Hello Dr.

I am currently in the three week maintenance period (for the second time, this is my second tine doing this diet. I have been doing perfectly, eating basically only veggie omlets with cheese and shrimp and porkchops also with cut up veggies.

Yesterday, i ate pretty normally. I had shrimp porkchops and veggies for a meal twice (not the usual, i usually only eat the meal once) then had an omlet for dinner. But when i weighed myself this morning, i went from 138.4 to 139.2. Today i looked at the pack of shredded cheese i used for the omlet yesterday and turns out it contains a bit of potato starch. I’m pretty confused because i use shredded cheese (in the packet) everday and gained nothing. It was a new kind that i did not buy myself, so maybe it contained starch and the others i used didn’t? Does all shredded cheese contain a bit of starch, and i just didn’t know it? I am very discouraged right now and afraid.

My question is, since my three week straight period without starch has been ruined, do i have to start the 3 week period all over in order to not gain weight everytime i eat starch or sugar once i return to eating normally? Or should i do a steak day to get myself back on track and then finish out my last two weeks of the maintenance? If i do the steak day tomorrow, then finish my last two weeks of no starch no sugar, will i be stable once i add starch/sugar back into my diet or will i gain weight like crazy? Should i do an extra week of no starch/sugar since I’m a week in?

I just want to know if i ruined my maintenance period, and just what to do to ensure that i won’t gain a ton of weight when i add starch/sugar back in two weeks from now.
by Jessica

I just took my last shot today and I’ve been studying my heart out on all the low carb foods I can have in 72 hours! One problem: my weight as of the last injection has been effected by the menstral cycle I started. If during maintenance after my cycle stops and I hopefully lose that couple extra pounds – if it’s lower than my last injection weight can I consider that my new level to maintain?
by Amanda

What should I do if I lost more than 2 pds during phase 3?
by Julie

I am going into phase 3 in a couple of days and I was wondering since I stopped my hcg drops should I stop taking my B12 supplement also??
by Atasha

Hi Dr D. I am on my 1st week of phase 3 after 3 weeks of p3 can I go to r2p2? If so when should I start doing it? can I do it as soon as my 3rd week of phase 3 ends? Thanks please let me know because I am so very confuse. Thanks
by Emily Reed

I was hoping you can help me with a question about p3. This was my second round of hcg, round one was perfect and p3 and p4 went really well. This second round, i added stuff too soon on p3 ( tom hunger issues, went out of town and nuts and cheese were the only snake option) i played with sugar free stuff. Weight shot up 4 pounds over lwd, and then my correction day was a bust so i was up like 8 pounds from lwd This weel i have been doing high protein days cycled with correction days ( steak and FFF) my question is, if I get my weight back down to my 2 pound window and basically restart p3 from there, can i still stablize at my lwd or have i blown it completely? I know there was water weight in there and it went up fast so im hoping it comes back down quick too. If i did somehow completely mess up my round 2, did I undo my hard work from round 1 too? Is it possible to do a few days of p2 with no load ( i super gain on even healthy loads) and then re start p3? thank you so much, i need expert advice on if you think I can still stabilize…
by Rosie

If I choose to do the drops for only two weeks, do I still have to follow the 3 weeks of no starches and sugar protocol? Also, after the three week protocol, how do I introduce starches and sugar back into my diet?
by carolinadenise

I am now finish 43 days. I hve been off the drop for three weeks. when can I start my second round? I start at 265.2lbs. Now I am happy to share that I am now 217.4lbs. I want sart another round ASAP!!!!!!
by Carolyn

I just stopped my drops today. And I understand that the
next three days to stay on the 500 calorie diet. What about the next three weeks? I read to go up to 800, but then I read something else about going up to 1200. Could you please let me know so I don’t do the wrong thing.
C
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, and enjoy it!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

If you mean lifetime weight management as ‘P4′, then definitely stick to a diet/lifestyle that keeps you where you want to be. Look into the paleo diet as an example. Meds should not cause a problem with your program in the short term.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

That should work just fine.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Six weeks between the end of one HCG period and the beginning of the next is the standard requirement for ensuring that you have no residual resistance to the hormone before starting on it again.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You can do whatever you like physically without disrupting your progress on HCG.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Just stay low on the carb intake between steak days. Walnuts are fine if in small amounts. Other nuts, too.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Sounds as though your protocols are not spaced sufficiently. You should have a 6 week break between them to ensure that you eliminate any residual resistance to HCG between protocols. Your experience at this time suggests that you have some resistance to the hormone. Your best bet might be to stop the protocol right now, go low carbs as in a typical P3, wait another 3 weeks (eating low carbs), then begin anew.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yup. Start out the whole protocol just as you did the first time. Keep up the good work!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You didn’t ruin anything, depending on how much starch you consumed from the shredded cheese. (Ah, processed foods…full of tricks and surprises aren’t they?) Just stay low on carbs in general, at least the ‘fast’ ones…sugar, starch, etc. And get into a good habit of reading food labels. Very informative.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The level you measure from should not be near the time of your menstrual cycle. Your doctor, or HCG clinic, should have advised you to start and end your protocol nowhere near your cycle in the first place. It just complicates matters, not the least of which is that your body is producing a component of HCG (i.e., LH) in high levels during your period.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Then you are most likely losing normal fat, which will return easily. Stop this loss if you can…just up your calorie intake. You must consume sufficient calories to avoid sending your body into starvation mode.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Take B-12 as much as you like.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Just be careful to watch what happens when you introduce carbs. Those are the culprits.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You didn’t undo anything important. If you stick to a low carb diet from now on, you should be fine.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, the 3-week period of P3 is necessary. Introduce starches slowly if you must have them, sugars less so. Watch your weight daily to see what effects these carbs might make, then adjust accordingly.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You must have a 6 week period, minimum, between protocols
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The caloric intake is not as important as your food choices. Stay low on carbs.
by Kristine

Hi. I was on the 3 week phase 1 protocol.
Thanksgiving was the last day of the shots.
I was doing extremely well and dropped my weight but on Thanksgiving I cheated
And now it’s 2 days after Thanksgiving and messed up and have gainned 5 pounds
Do you have any suggestions? Should I start the phase 2 Tom anyways? Is their any way I would be able to drop those 5 pounds and get back on track? Or am I doomed?
I do want to start another 3 week session again but half to wait for 3-4 weeks from now
So my question is, is their something I could do to get back to my weight before Thanksgiving and get back on the phase Two protocol?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Kristine:

The use of phases is confusing. If you stopped the drops on Thanksgiving, then you should have gone through a 3-day washout period before starting on the 21-day low-carb phase. Is that where you are now? If so, do a steak day immediately and see how close you can get to your target weight. You have not added new fat yet, just too much fluid retention. Good luck! Oh, and do not do another protocol for at least 6 weeks.

All the best,
Dennis
by Bea

I have taken the diet on the programme was losing weight find and after my menstrual cycle everyday I lose weight I put 2 on the next day moreover not been able to urinate.
by Kristine

Yes my last shot was Thanksgiving. I have has sOme sweets and carbs on that day and have had ham for the two following days. I should be on my 3rd day of Phase 3. It’s 2:51 pm and I have had nothing to eat just a cup of coffee this morning with coconut creamer. ( am I aloud to even have coconut creamer?)
Should I not eat anything today and just do a steak day tom? Or should I do a steak tonight (3 1/2 ounces? Thank you so much for you advise
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Oh, and the coconut creamer is probably loaded with sugar. Take a look at the label. You probably should forgo it for P3.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You seem to be retaining fluid big-time. You must do a good apple day to get the fluids flowing out of your body properly. Remember to take in very little liquid on an apple day.
by Sharadaa

Hi Dr,
I have finished my HCG and have reached my goal weight. I am on maintenance and have to leave the country. I will have 4 more days on the maintenance that I need to do. It is very hard for me to totally not eat any carbs. Can I eat Quinoa or lentils during this time ? I can avoid sugar and other starches such as rice, bread or pasta. I am a vegetarian.
Is there a way that I can avoid fat and carb combo and get away by eating Quinoa ? Really appreciate any help.
by sherish

dear doc.
my 2nd loading day my weight was 163.4… first day of vlcd my weight was 164.8… i drank plenty water and took my drops as directed (sublingual).. i ate 1/4 pound of roast chicken with cucumber for lunch and a small tilapia for dinner with a tomato. i was told that this was wrong and may affect my weight tomorrow.

what exactly can i or cannot eat? did eating all that affect my ability to lose weight? i am from the caribbean and most of the things that can be eaten is not here… Can eating just fiah and chicken with different vegetable be okay? how can i make sure that i am successful this time around as the first was an injeection from a doctors office that really did nothing for me>>
by Denise

Dear Dr. Clark, I started hcg in July 2011 & lost 34 lbs. Then I went on phase 2 & 3 and have been losing weight since. Total weight loss was 60 lbs. Now this week, Dec. 2nd I made a big batch of chicken soup with celery, carrots, onions, broccoli, & green beans, NO Noodles. It was really cold so I ate 4 bowls of my delicious soup thinking,’no problem cuz it had my good veggies & chicken in it’. I weighed myself before going to bed & no lie, I gained 6 lbs. in one day. What happened? I’ve been off hcg since August. I’ve been losing approx. 10 lbs/month since then, but this 6 lbs. in one day has me stumped! What do you think went wrong. I didn’t want to have to go on a 2nd round of hcg cuz just the thought of pigging out on those 1st two days makes me sick just thinking of putting all that poison back into my body. Please help. Thanks.
by Tracy

I am on P2 for 8 more days then on to P3. I am very concerned that Christmas, New Years and my Birthday fall during P3. Can I use fat and carb blockers to help if I have a piece of pie, cake or a few cookies?
by Meloni Flickinger

I finished a 21-day protocol of HCG almost two weeks ago. During that time, I stayed on the VLC diet. I was expecting a new shipment of HCG to arrive and was going to extend the 21 days to 42. I have lost 25 pounds as of today and expect the HCG to arrive sometime tomorrow. My question is if it is all right to go ahead and start again when it gets here and, if so, do I fat load again? Thanks so much!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Stick with the highest protein and fat foods that you can find. Lentils would be better than quinoa.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The protocol is pretty specific about what foods you can eat and how much. White fish, chicken breast, certain veggies, etc. Eating enough during gorging is crucial for comfort and success in the first week of the protocol. If the first round was unsuccessful, even with injections, then you must examine what you are doing in comparison with the protocol requirements.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Bedtime weighing is as inaccurate as it can be. It is very common for weight to increase several pounds throughout the day. Morning weighings are the best. If you had a lot of soup and gained weight, it is no doubt a temporary fluid weight. Just be sure to eat right the next day and get the fluid moving out of your body again.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The problem is with carbs, so carb blockers would be more important. Keep in mind that carb blockers only block the digestion of starch, not sugar. You can have all the fat you want.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It should be fine just to resume where you left off.
by Sharadaa

Do carb blockers really work ? I need to manage with some carbs during my last 4 days of P3 and beyond, like I had mentioned before. I can avoid sugar but can I have the carb blockers for every meal and have lentils or quinoa ? It would be great to take carb blockers with me if it would help.
Thank you for all your help.
by Denise

Thank you Dr. Clark. Yes, the next day I ate my normal amount of food and lost 2 lbs. and 2 lbs. after that. I think because I put 2 lbs. of carrots in the soup, that must’ve been my problem.

Apparently carrots have a lot of sugar in them. Next time I’ll put 3 lbs. of celery and 1 lb or carrots!
by Diana

Hi Doc!
Having trouble in p3 2nd week:
-no starch/sugar consumed, preparing everything myself, haven’t had anything that wasn’t on the list of allowed food, drinking 2L of water/day.
-I am having a steak day every second day and am experiencing extreme pressure and bloating over the past 2 weeks.
-started to take flaxseed oil for the past few days, but previous to this, due to no natural bowel movements, was using either organic laxative tea or suppositories.
I’m terrified to regian! Is what im experiencing “normal”!?? PLEASE HELP!
by Denise

I just heard that the FDA is taking the hcg drops off the market. Why is that?
by dany

Hi dr Clark. I’m on my 19th day of p3 and my wedding is tomorrow which will be my 20th day of p3 day. Before last day . I would like to know if eating a piece of my cake will ruin my 20 days of maintenance. Thanks for taking time to lighting us.
by Nikole

Can you fluctuate calorie consumption between 500 & 600 per day on vlcd’s?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, a good carb blocker will be helpful.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yup, carrots are like Mother Nature’s candy.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

It is unusual, although not unknown. You are undoubtedly hanging to a lot of excess fluid, especially if the steak and apple days are so frequent. Folks have better success with psyllium powder (not Metamucil…just the psyllium without additives) for regularity. Laxatives, whether natural or synthetic, and suppositories will not address the primary issues of constipation. Your colon is just not getting enough fluid into it to keep things moving. Your body is hanging onto the fluid instead.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

The FDA is taking homeopathic hCG drops off the market, not real hCG drops. See my article on it here: http://besthcgweightloss.com/more-homeopathic-hcg-paranoia-at-the-fda/.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

One piece of cake? Not a problem. Watch your weight the next day to be sure that you don’t retain fluid. If so, just do a steak and apple day.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, I and others have had great success doing so, especially if the bonus calories are from the protein source.
by Trisha

Lost 50 # a yr ago. Up 10 # at end of this yr. I am doing an annual “tune up” back on Phase 1 HCG inj. Lost the 10 # so back to goal wt in 5 days on 500 cal. Still have the remaining 16 days on HCG + 3 500 cal days. I…am…HUN..GREEee! To get thru PH 1 cycle and reset should I keep “upping” daily protein til not hungry?
by MssKaya

Hi! i have just done 1 round of 40 days on HCG injections and lost 22 pounds. my doctor said to wait at least 3 weeks before my second round, so after doing phase 3 for 3 weeks i went back on the injections, i did to loading days again when i started but after 2 weeks only lost 3 pounds so i stopped. i think i should of waited the 6 weeks. how long should i wait before trying again? 6 weeks? or can i wait less?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Nice! Keep up the good work.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You must have a 6 week period between hCG periods: 3 weeks of Phase 3, plus 3 more weeks before taking hCG again. Otherwise you may still have resistance to the hormone left over from the previous series. The main symptom is that the protocol simply does not work.
by JackieB

What if I only completed 2 weeks of the hcg protocol and have now been on 2 weeks of maintenance (somewhat). I haven’t gained any more that 1 lb in these 2 weeks. I want to know if I can do the load days and go back on or if I have to wait 6 weeks. Would I have resistance built up from only 2 weeks of use? What builds up the resistance? Is it the time off the hcg? Please advise. Thank you so much.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, you can acquire resistance within 2 weeks. It is generally not a good idea to start another protocol until you wait 6 weeks after your most recent dose.
by Jaz A

Hello, my husband and I are finishing phase 2.
I lost 30pounds and he has lost 36. We have five days left.
I planned a trip with my girlfriends, it will be during the end of week 2 of phase 3, during the last week of phase 3 I have a business trip. I am very worried about traveling during the maintance phase and not stabilizing, especially with eating out . Can you give me some advice that would help me?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

First and most important, keep track of your weight every morning. If any day shows you 2 lbs up from your target weight, the best strategy is to have a steak and apple day. It goes without saying that you must avoid sugar and starches when you travel. Even though I’d like to say that carbs don’t count when you leave town, they really do. Congratulations on your success. Now just keep that in mind when you are tempted to go off the Phase 3 protocol.

All the best,
Dennis
by Marisa

Help please!
I’m in my 3rd day of phase 2 ( LOVING IT by the way) and my work schedule changed to 10pm-8am Tuesday – Tuesday (8days on. 6 days off.) How in the world do I continue this?? I dont want to stop now, I’m committed. When do I sleep? When do I eat? When do I weigh and take my shot? So confused…and worried.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Marisa: The most important strategy is to weigh yourself after arising from a night’s sleep, even if your schedule is disrupted, and to take the hCG at the same time each day. Consistency helps.

All the best,
Dennis
by Cermarie

I’m starting the hcg diet I was wondering after you finish your first round when can you start the second round how many weeks do you have to wait…
by alli

Hi Dr. Clark,
Thank you for this great informative website. Your information is balanced, concise and easy to understand! I am in phase 3 (stabilizing period) and things are going well. I realized though that in the very beginning of my diet, I counted my 21 days from the first day of loading instead of starting after my two days. That would mean I had only been on the vlcd for 24 days and not the required minimum of 26. I haven’t had any issues, nor setbacks, but I’m a little worried that this may mess things up in the long run. Any thoughts regarding this? Also, it was my understanding that you should remain within 2lbs from the very last day of your hcg intake. Is this correct?
by Cheryl

Are the 2 load days required if I am going to do a two-week round? I still have 30 lbs to lose but am vacationing next month and I think it would be too difficult to be on Phase 3 during that time. Can I do a 2 week and then another full round 6weeks later?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

You must have at least a 6 week period between the previous day that you took hCG and the start of the next protocol.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Alli…the number of days is flexible, so you shouldn’t have any problems. And, yes, you should stay withing 2 lbs, up or down, of your final weight during Phase 3 and beyond. Keep up the good work!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Yes, the 2 load days ensure that you will have a successful round without feeling hungry, especially during the first week.
by Cheryl

One more question, can HCG be used in conjunction with Metagenix Ultra Meal protein shakes? They do not contain sugar and are designed to stabilize insulin intolerance. Thanks!
by Cheryl

If doing a 2week round, is phase 3 still 3 weeks of no sugar no starch or is that phase only 2weeks?
by Dr. Dennis Clark

A full 3 weeks.
by ps

Hi Dr, Ive been on P3 since dec 19th and still have yet to stabilize what’s so ever. My daily intake is more or less a variation of cucumbers, tomoatoes, onions, olives, avocadoes, romaine lettuce, (cabbage and spinach dont react well with me, and neither does broccoli or cauliflower), mushrooms, peppers, and most of the p3 approved veggies. I just vary which one i have at what time of the day and with which meat. Meat is mainly turkey, beef, and chicken, and I also eat eggs. I did a food intolerance test so I work around it to the best of my abilities, since many essential things were on it. But so far ive cut them out. eggs and oils are added in for breakfast. I have 1-2 fruits per day as well, either apple or an apple and grapefruit. Before i started eating p3 i was 134.8, my LIW was 138.2, and now Ive adjusted my weight to 140 becuase keeping 138 was impossible. But even with the new LIW i go above 142 without the correction days, and was 145 this morning. I know Im not sensitive to anything im eating, am so very hopeless. Im also a competitive athlete in college and train 2-4 hours a day and had no choice but to do it during p2 as well. My weight is absolutly not stablizing, with very high protein, average protein, or average calorie intake. I can eat 1200 cals a day if i have to, but i was told that is the specific thing that might me causing me to not stabilize, so i increased it with healthy fats and tried adding nuts in, but still. I gain anywhere from 1- 3 pounds a morning, and every other day is a correction day. Im killing myself to keep it off and have been tested for many hormonal issues. I dont have insulin resistance, am on thyroid meds, and my cortisol and glucose levels are all fine. Im eating super well, exercising like a pro athlete, wat V Coconut oil every day, and consume a lot of water. If you have any insight on helping me or ideas please let me know. Im in dire need of help. Thanks you
by Andy

Dr. Clark. i am on phase 2 vlcd, and experiencing bad water retention. this started only 6 days into the phase and i still cannot correct after 2 weeks. apple day helps but 5 pounds of water back the next day. it started i think after i took some fiber pills (i have IBS). i was wracked with bad hunger pangs and sudden 3.5 lb gain. i stopped the fiber pills right away and have been struggling with retention ever since. no weight loss in week and a half. i even tried stopping diet, and starting over, doing gorge days and all. nothing is helping the water retention and no further weight loss. half of my drops wasted, please help.
by Andy

p.s shortly after this started, i took in a large amount of protein and returned to the protocal and hunger stopped, but no cure for the retention or stall.
by Andy

Dr. Clark: Please don’t delete this post again. I’m having a serious problem and desperately need an answer. I’m on phase 2 and still having bad water retention and no weight loss after 2 weeks. the onset was sudden after only 6 days into treatment. i was losing 3lbs a day during the beginning. i still have 20lbs i need to lose. this happened after downing some fiber pills. don’t know if this caused it or not, but i have restarted the diet and nothing is working. what should i do?
by Julee

I recently was diagnosed with a sinus infection and unfortunately my weight loss has stalled. I know it is due to the cough drops and medicine. My question is should i stop the drops until this cold gets better? My appetite is already depressed and have barely been eating 500 calories as it is. This is my 18th day of taking the drops. Maybe an apple day?

thanks
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Andy:

The first red flag is your IBS. Speaking from personal experience, this can undermine everything that you do, and modern medicine really has nothing that can help you. However, people with IBS have achieved seemingly miraculous results with an ulra-high dose of a probiotic called VSL3. It is officially classified as a medical food. Your colon bacteria are clearly out of control. (IBS is often a misdiagnosed C. diff. bloom.) Go here to read more and order it: vsl3.com. You may even find a pharmacy in your area that carries it (use the zip code locator on that site). Take a 2-week series of vsl3, followed by a good probiotic supplement (not junk, and not commercial yogurt, etc.) for the rest of your life. It’s very important.

Although I don’t have enough information to point a finger at any one cause for your dilemma, I would suspect that you are resistant to hCG. You may have to wait an extended time, more than 6 weeks, to overcome it and start another protocol. Regarding fluid retention, it sounds as though you are sitting down a lot…mimicking the ‘long flight, swollen ankles’ syndrome that happens when people sit in an airplane seat for several hours. Your initial 3-lb loss rate is typical of any kind of diet that is low-carb — it is almost entirely water loss. You regain fluid so easily that you are probably deficient, or at least imbalanced, in sodium, potassium and magnesium.

I don’t know what fiber pills you are taking. The best fiber is psyllium, fine powder (i.e, without husk fragments) – and I don’t mean Metamucil.

Let me know if some of my thoughts are helpful.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

PS…Insufficient thyroid can lead to weight gain that has nothing to do with fat metabolism or ‘standard’ fluid retention. It has to do with a type of mucous buildup. It is common even on meds because the demand for meds can vary so much within a 24-hour period. The key is to keep track of your body fat percent. It sounds as though you are young and in excellent shape, yet subjecting your body to inflammation from overtraining. Your weight fluctuations can be due to anything from muscle dehydration and muscle ATP/phosphate deficiency (these two are linked) to mineral imbalance (i.e., sodium, potassium, magnesium). Whatever might be normal for you is not the same as standard norms, since you train so much.

Otherwise, your diet sounds fine. Keep in mind, though, that fruits are storage organs for sugar and/or starch. This includes cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados. The same goes for onions, which are expanded leaf bases. You might be surprised at the carb hit you get when you overdo these.

Let me know if any of this makes sense or is helpful.

All the best,
Dennis
by Andy

Thanks for the input. this is only my 2nd round and it was 4 months since my last round. if i became resistant after only 1 week, does this mean HCG isn’t going to work anymore? i have 20 lbs to lose and this is the only diet i have found that worked for me.
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Andy: No, you have spaced hCG series far enough apart to have lost any resistance to the hormone. A multitude of other factors can slow you down, so just stick with it and you will succeed. Good luck!

All the best,
Dennis
by Jennifer

Dr. Clark, I am a 45 year old female with a partial thyroidectomy. I am taking 75 micrograms of branded synthroid. This seems to have finally stabilized my crazy weight gain over the last month. I have started HCG and have been happy with the results. Although I feel I adequately gorged, I only gained a half a pound. I am on my first day off of injection since I am doing two rounds so I have taken a total of 6 injections ( two loading and 4 at the 500cal. diet) I have lost 7 pounds and am thrilled but I am a bit worried about taking synthroid. I read that Dr. Simmeon did not have his patients take synthroid during the diet…but again, I don’t know if they had the same circumstances I have with half my thyroid gone. Is it ok to take synthroid during HCG? My last question is whether to take the injections during my cycle. I normally have a five day cycle. The first three are light and the last two days are heavy. Is it ok to go without HCG for all five days? Is it ok to take HCG all five days? What should I do??
by Sara

Hi Dr,
I’m concerned about my daughter. She’s 14 & did HcG. Hopefully no one flames me for letting her, but I gave her all the info & let her make a decision. Her weight loss was slow, averaging .3 lbs per day. She followed the rules to a T. We are in our first week after. She is putting on weight like crazy in spite of following the rules. She didn’t do a steak day when she should have & is now 5 lbs over her LIW. What is the “strict dieting” mentioned by Dr. Simeons that she should instigate now to get back on track?
Thanks!
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Good questions, Jennifer. First, people do the hCG protocol while on thyroid meds, without any problems. Second, yes, you can skip taking hCG for the 3-4 heaviest days of your period. The hormones that you make at that time swamp out the hCG anyway. Even skipping all five days would be fine.

All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark

Hi, Sara: Flaming is weird, isn’t it? About your dieting question, the best ‘strict dieting’ nowadays would just be the equivalent of the Atkins Diet Induction period … i.e., 14 days of low carb (i.e., 20 grams per day max). Your daughter’s extra 5 lbs is probably due to fluid retention, which is made worse by excess carbs in the diet (‘excess means different amount for different people). She should be able to get back on track before too long.

All the best,
Dennis